The Nigeria Football Federation has expressed utmost sorrow and grief over the demise on Tuesday, 16th July 2024, of the Chairman of House of Representatives’ Committee on Youth and Sports, Hon. Ekene Abubakar Adams.
Adams reportedly passed on in the early hours of the day after prolonged illness.
President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, in a letter he personally signed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, extolled the virtues of the late Hon. Adams, saying the deceased was “the leader of a very important committee in the House of Representatives and a man who was very much alive to his duties, tasks, assignments, obligations and responsibilities.
“As someone who has worked in football all his life, contributing his quota to the development of the game on the domestic front, Hon Ekene Abubakar Adams was well-known to the entire football fraternity, and it was no surprise that he was very keen on further development of the game of football in the country while he served as Chairman of the House Committee on Youth and Sports Development.
“From serving and excelling as General Manager of Kada Stars Football Club of Kaduna to serving and accomplishing great things as General Manager of Remo Stars Football Club of Ikenne, to his glorious political sojourn that ended with Chairmanship of one of the most important committees in Nigeria’s Parliament, the late Hon. Adams surely left his bold and indelible footprints in the sands of time, and departed with a legacy of distinguished service to the football industry and to the country’s legislative chambers.
“We all loved him, but God Almighty loves him much more. Rather than be thrown into dejection and sorrow, we must endeavour to celebrate Hon. Adams’ fruitful and fulfilled existence here on planet Earth.”
Gusau thereafter paid a condolence visit to the house of the late Hon. Adams, where he met with his mother and wife
Also in grieve over the death of the House Committee chairman on Sports is the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), FCT Chapter
In a statement issued by FCT SWAN Secretary, Samuel Ahmadu, it’s Chairman, Kelechi Onwudiwe and Secretary, Samuel Ahmadu, FCT SWAN lamented the demise of the sports administrator cum politician, describing him as a friend of all, especially the sporting media.
“His impressive journey from a professional footballer to the General Manager of Kada City and Remo Stars showcased his unwavering commitment to sports development in Nigeria,” Onwudiwe said.
“Hon. Adams maintained a close relationship with the media, recognizing the critical role they play in shaping public opinion and fostering transparency. His appointments of several colleagues from the FCT to his cabinet further demonstrated his commitment to inclusivity and the elevation of media professionals within the political sphere.”
As FCT SWAN mourns the unfortunate loss of Hon. Ekene Abubakar Adams, while celebrating his remarkable contributions and the enduring legacy he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.